Evensong by James Whitcomb Riley
The poem explores the theme of nostalgia and longing for a lost era. It describes a serene evening scene where the speaker reflects on the passing of time and the fleeting nature of life. The poem's tone is melancholic, with a sense of wistfulness and regret for what has been lost.
By James Whitcomb Riley · First published 1883 · Genre: Poetry, Lyrical, Sentimental · 134 words
First lines
Lay away the story, -- / Though the theme is sweet, / There's a lack of something yet, / Leaves it incomplete: -- / There's a nameless yearning -- / Strangely undefined -- / For a story sweeter still / Than the written kind.
Therefore read no longer -- / I've no heart to hear / But just something you make up, / O my mother dear. -- / With your arms around me, / Hold me, folded-eyed, -- / Only let your voice go on -- / I'll be satisfied.
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Lyrical — The text expresses personal emotions and feelings, characteristic of lyrical poetry.
- Sentimental — The theme revolves around emotional longing and affection, common in sentimental literature.
- Family — The narrative involves a personal interaction with a maternal figure, highlighting familial bonds.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature · Spirituality · Meditation · Reflection · Peaceful · Serene · Whimsical · Imagery · Symbolism
What this Textopian page supports
Evensong is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, dated 1883 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James Whitcomb Riley
- Date: 1883 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyrical, Sentimental, Family
- Length: 134 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
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- Work identity for Evensong by James Whitcomb Riley
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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